After, Anna Todd (2014)

Tessa is an ambitious and sweet teenager, who is beginning her freshman year of college. She meets the mysterious Hardin, at a party where her new friends are invited. He appears to be rude and toxic but intriguing at the same time to Tessa. A battle against herself and her insane feelings for Hardin has just started.

Although at first glance this story seems mediocre and ordinary, the situation turns out to be very interesting. The appealing characters, the passionate love between them, and the narrative make it a must-read for young adults’ coeval literature.

Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand (1897)

Cyrano de Bergerac, soldier and poet, is in love with the gorgeous Roxane, but he’s too ashamed to admit it because of his big nose. When Christian, a cadet, falls for Roxane. He asks for Cyrano’s help in sharing his feelings. Cyrano writes love letters signed with Christian’s name, and Roxane doesn’t realize that it’s Cyrano’s letter. She marries Christian, and Cyrano continues to keep the other man’s secret, even after a tragedy strikes.

This story, halfway between tragic and romantic comedy is deep in meaning. Words are well-chosen, and despite the fact that it’s sometimes difficult to understand, the text is descriptive and touching. It makes the reader understand that it’s not physical beauty, but the soul that constitutes true love. I feel it’s important to remember this, especially when you live in a society like ours that is very concerned about appearances.

Everything, Everything, Nicholas Yoon (2015)

Maddy is a smart, curious, and imaginative 18-year-old. Unfortunately, she is unable to leave the protection of the “hermetically-sealed environment” within her house because of an illness. She meets Olly, a boy who recently moved into her neighborhood. He will not let that stop them from being together. Gazing through windows and talking only through texts, Maddy and Olly form a deep bond that leads them to risk everything to be together, even if it means losing everything.

An amazing story, that makes us think about isolation due to disease and the borders of love. The protagonists are endearing and the plot is pretty unusual. The end is completely unexpected. A unique love novel that I recommend.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen (1813)

This novel follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. They must overcome the sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love and get married.

Throughout the novel, both characters learn to unlearn their pride and prejudice so that they can come to accept the other’s goodness of character. An educational book, focusing on romance, misconceptions, family relationships, and problems with first impressions and gossip.

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green (2012)

Hazel is a 16-year-old cancer patient. She meets and falls in love with Gus, a similarly afflicted teen, from her cancer support group. Hazel feels that Gus really understands her. They both share the same wit and a love of books, especially Grace’s touchstone, “An Imperial Affliction” by Peter Van Houten. When Gus scores an invitation to meet the reclusive author, they both embark on the adventure of their brief lives.

A pioneering novel, strongly emotional and unexpected. A beautiful relationship, between two mature and uncommon teenagers who live their life despite illness. This story brought me tears multiple times. It also reminds me how lucky most of us are to be healthy.

Twilight, Stephenie Meyer (2005-2008)

High school student Bella Swan, always a bit of a misfit, doesn’t expect life to change much when she moves from Arizona to Washington. Then she meets Edward Cullen, a handsome but mysterious teen whose eyes seem to peer directly into her soul. Edward is a vampire whose family does not drink blood. Bella, far from being frightened, enters into a dangerous romance with her immortal soulmate.

This novel series is a perfect alliance between fantastic and romance genres. The intrigue is captivating, full of secrets and passion. The characters are all unique, and intriguing.

Under Summer Skies, Nora Roberts (2011)

By the end of spring, the Lakeside Inn is getting busier. Its manager, BJ Clark, is worried that the new Inn’s owner Taylor Reynolds.  Reynolds has a reputation for transforming boutique businesses into modern resorts. BJ’s loyalties are soon divided between her beloved hotel and her growing attraction to Taylor.

Full of details and action, this book promises a lot of entertainment. We easily put ourselves in the character’s shoes, which makes the story even more exciting and thrilling.